St. Francis was originally organized on January 16, 1939 here in Lake Placid, Florida, under the charge of Reverent Richard I. Brown. The communicants met in private homes in the beginning; however, the group floundered and became dormant in 1942 when Fr. Brown left to become a chaplain in the United States Army.

In October 1956, Fr. Francis Willard, who was vicar of St. Agnes in Sebring, encouraged the reorganizing of the mission here in Lake Placid. The first few services were again held at a parishioner’s home. Soon they were moved to the Lake Placid Woman’s Club. That location continued to be used until November 1960. In 1958, the vestry, with Fr. Stuart M. Stewart as Vicar, contacted architect A. Wynn Howell of Lakeland to design a parish house. The plan was to construct a meeting place and temporary sanctuary on the Lake June Road property for use until such a time as an actual church could be built. Groundbreaking took place February 14, 1960.

In 1962, Fr. Richard Vanaman became the first resident vicar of St. Francis. Fr. Vanaman later became rector of St. Agnes and moved to Sebring. Dr. J. N. Bernardin, a retired priest who was looking for a place to quietly “retire” to study and write, followed Fr. Vanaman. Dr. Bernardin was the answer to the little mission’s prayers. Because of financial constraints, a full time vicar was out of the question. It was during this time, also, the fledgling congregation began to realize the temporary sanctuary was rapidly becoming the Sanctuary.

After Dr. Bernardin again retired and moved to Virginia, Fr. Martin J. Campbell became Vicar of St. Francis. Fr. Campbell was also a lawyer and served only on Sunday mornings and continued his law practice during the week. This was a period of very slow growth because of the circumstances. He was followed by the appointment of Fr. William Walters as a full time vicar. The church underwent the beginnings of a transformation into a sanctuary from the parish hall concept under Fr. Walters. In 1981 Fr. Bill received a call from Fruitland Park and was followed by Reverend B. E. Palmer as vicar. During his tenure it became evident it was time for an expansion program. The facility needed renovating and enlarging for seating capacity. The chapel was added as well.

Lake Placid Florida is centrally located in the middle of the state. We are approximately 2 hours from Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Ft. Myers and Sarasota. Lake Placid is small town living at its best with thirty one lakes, rolling hills, and beautiful sunsets. Lake Placid is definitely God's country.